There’s really no way to accurately estimate your gynecomastia surgery cost without first meeting with your plastic surgeon in person.
The first step with any type of plastic surgery is a consultation appointment. It is at this appointment that you’ll be able to discuss your goals, anatomy, and concerns in detail with your surgeon. And in turn, they should be able to give you a rough estimate of the cost.
Before attending a consultation, however, you no doubt have questions about gynecomastia surgery pricing. As most patients already know, health insurance rarely covers this procedure. Therefore, most patients will be required to pay out-of-pocket. This makes budgeting and financial planning far in advance essential.
If you are considering gynecomastia surgery but have yet to meet with a surgeon for a consultation appointment, the following list comprises several ways you can estimate the cost of your surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates “the average cost of gynecomastia surgery is $4,239”. So, this is a good place to start.
However, do keep in mind that this is only a baseline cost. It “does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.” Therefore, the following list will help you roughly fill in these blanks, and this should give you a better idea of the price range you can expect when your final bill arrives.
7 Ways to Help Determine the Cost of Your Gynecomastia Surgery
#1 – Consider the geographic location where you plan to get surgery.
First, know that rural areas tend to have lower costs for plastic surgery. Therefore, choosing medical professionals who are in smaller cities and less populated areas may benefit you financially.
On the flip side, many of the most highly skilled and sought-after surgeons can be found in bigger cities and more populated areas. So, despite their higher prices, you may end up with a superior outcome if you choose surgeons in places like Dallas or New York City.
#2 – Review the skill and expertise of potential surgeons.
The “surgeon’s fee” will comprise the majority of the cost of your surgery in most cases. Generally speaking, surgeon’s fees are dictated at the discretion of the surgeon. If they are extremely skilled, have many years of experience, and are highly sought-after, this fee will typically be higher.
#3 – Determine whether you need breast tissue excision or liposuction only.
Some patients seeking a more masculine chest may think they have gynecomastia when they really only have excess fat on their chest. When this is the case, typically only liposuction is required as a solution.
Liposuction costs a different amount than breast tissue excision. Therefore, knowing the true cause of the added bulk and puffiness in your chest will be key to determining the cost of your surgery.
#4 – Decide whether you want additional procedures performed.
Some gynecomastia patients may want breast tissue excision, chest liposuction, and other procedures performed — such as fat removal with liposuction on other parts of the body, facial fillers or injectables, or even tummy tuck surgery or a fat transfer procedure.
If you desire additional procedures, naturally the cost of surgery will go up. However, keep in mind that overall, you may pay less when combining surgeries.
#5 – Think about what type of anesthesia you prefer.
Gynecomastia surgery has typically been performed under general anesthesia. However, because the procedure usually only requires one small incision or two on each breast, more and more men are opting for local anesthesia when possible. Local anesthesia is generally less expensive than general anesthesia.
#6 – Ask whether you require additional tests before surgery.
Especially when determining if insurance coverage will apply or if you are indeed a qualified candidate for the procedure, additional medical tests may be required pre-surgery. Keep in mind that whether these tests are required or not, the cost will typically fall on you, the patient.
#7 – Discuss your follow-up needs with your surgeon.
Finally, remember that additional incidental costs before and after surgery may also factor into the total cost of your procedure. This may include the purchase of prescription medications, compression garments, wound care products, speciality recovery items, scar treatments, and more. You can discuss the potential for these costs with your surgeon at your consultation appointment to get a better idea of how they might influence the final price tag.
FAQ: The Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that $4,239 is the average cost of gynecomastia surgery. However, this amount does not include surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, surgical facility costs, post-surgery expenses, and other incidentals. It also does not take into consideration geographic location, extent of surgery, and other important cost factors. Schedule a consultation to get a price quote that is accurate.
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in a man) is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, specifically changes to a man’s levels of testosterone (a male hormone) and estrogen (a female hormone). This may be triggered by a health condition, certain medications, drug use, or aging and natural life changes.
Can you get rid of gynecomastia naturally?
When a patient has true gynecomastia, which is enlarged male breasts caused by a hormonal imbalance, surgery is often the only solution. However, if you would simply like to know how to get rid of man boobs caused by fat alone, lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can often solve the problem. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your gynecomastia treatment options.
Contact Us to Request a Consultation
If you would like to correct gynecomastia but are concerned about gynecomastia surgery costs, please call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg at Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery in Houston.
Dr. Steinberg and her team would be happy to discuss the cost of male breast reduction, including the potential for insurance coverage, financing options, and more. Excess tissue in the breasts can cause an array of uncomfortable and troubling side effects for men. Let us help. We look forward to your call.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/cost